INSIDE THEATRE: INSIDE SPORTS:

Frenchie and Phil at sea in Mr. Coach O’ Boyle gives Billy Cladek tips Roberts ...... p. 3 SSAINTAINT JJOSEPHOSEPH H.S.H.S. on how to attack the defense . . . . . p. 4

Vol. XLVI Number 2 The Student Newspaper of Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, N.J. November 2003 Convocation Annual Open House most successful ever held in October By Fofie Mgbako highlight for Mrs. Baxter. “I was By Brian Green Editor-in-Chief really blown away by the Chem- Staff Writer istry lab, the entire science wing The annual Open House, which was marvelous,” she said. St. Joseph High School is not serves to introduce prospective Mr. Gandy, director of admis- only home to athletic achieve- families to the St. Joseph’s com- sions and a coordinator of the ment, but also academic excel- munity, took place on Sunday, Open House, was awed by how lence. The annual Fall Honors October 19. smoothly the event ran and espe- Convocation, celebrating this Four hundred and seventy three cially by how adept the students academic excellence, was held families, an amount comprising were in promoting the school. on October 22. The event, which the most well-attended Open “The students sell the school. Our took place in the new gymnasi- House ever, arrived on that chilly students are so great. Everybody um, recognized students for their Sunday morning. that left said they wanted their academic merit. It was organized Students came from 30 pub- boys to be like the young men at by Mr. Wayne Fischer, Dean of lic schools and 102 Catholic St. Joe’s,” said Mr. Gandy. Studies, Sister Anne Toner, S.S.J., schools. Some began with a tour St. Joseph’s had a new facet Assistant to the Dean of Studies, that departed from the cafeteria to display in the new additions to and Ms. Susan Kaloyerakis, Direc- and others began in the new state- the school. Ms. Dwyer, another tor of Student Services Assistant. of-the-art gymnasium, where every coordinator of the Open House, Photo by Martine Gubernat Ms. Backlund greets guests at the math table. The gathering honored 210 stu- academic department, club, and showed her satisfaction with the dents who made the Honor Roll, activity was represented by charm- effect the new additions had on High Honor Roll, and the Prin- ingly decorated tables and help- the visiting families. “The new house all activities in the new worked well, and the students cipal’s List during the 2002-2003 ful faculty and students. There facilities added to the overall good gym.” were absolutely great,” said Mr. school year. Mr. Walsh and Mr. were refreshments offered to the impression of the school. The There will surely be a wealth Walsh, the school principal. “So Fischer presided over the cere- families in the cafeteria, where fact that we are trying to enhance of applications after the success- many parents gave comments monies, while Sr. Anne helped applications and brochures were our capabilities was noticed,” ful Open House. The future of about how well the students pre- present the awards. available. commented Ms. Dwyer. “Logis- St. Joseph’s looks as bright as sented themselves. It was one of Students who attainted at least The tours of the campus began tically, it was nice to be able to ever. “Everybody did their part, the best we’ve ever had.” a 3.8 or 4.0 GPA were given cer- in the cafeteria and were led by tificates for being on the Honor a teacher and one or two students. Roll or High Honor Roll respec- The families had an opportunity tively. A special certificate of to see the entire campus, from the Leadership is a habit, not a goal recognition was given to the stu- main building offices to the tele- dents who made the Principal’s scope in the observatory, and from By Joe Runkle GYLC students represent the of Washington’s most promi- List three out of the four quar- the soccer fields to the new science Staff Writer best high school juniors and nent buildings. “We went to the ters with a GPA greater than 4.4. wing. They were also given infor- seniors in academics and lead- State Department, Capitol Hill, Students who achieved the Prin- mation about the history of St. St. Joe’s has always main- ership. The program allows stu- pretty much everywhere,” cipal’s List all four quarters, in Joseph’s, the function of each tained a tradition of high acad- dents to explore the most press- William pointed out. addition to a certificate, received building, and the application emic standards, and because of ing global issues of the day Both Steve and William, like a special pin emblazoned with process. The tour ended in the this, many of the school’s best through creative decision-mak- every other student who is invit- the school escutcheon. gymnasium, where families could students are invited to the most ing simulations and hands-on ed to such conferences, were Besides awards for exception- ask further questions to the stu- prestigious high school leader- skill sessions. “It was a learning exposed to domestic and inter- al GPAs, the event included the dents, coaches, teachers, Broth- ship conferences in the country. experience to say the least,” national issues that they may not presentation of special annual ers, and other members of the St. This year has proved to be no Steve commented. have learned in the classroom. awards. Seven National Merit Joseph’s community who were exception. For a week in October, William They also experienced memo- Scholars were recognized: Col- present. Recently, senior Steve Szaro attended the National Youth rable challenges and opportuni- in Brady, Daniel Brand, Sean The prospective families mar- and junior William Rodriguez Leadership Forum on Defense, ties that they will remember for Carter, Vincent LaGregor, Jason veled at the various aspects of St. attended forums that invited the Intelligence, and Diplomacy in the rest of their lives. Steve Naselli, Aaron Rubin, and Bebin Joseph’s. “It was really a warm, best and brightest of students on Washington, D.C. William was remarked, “The experience was Thomas. These students scored friendly atmosphere and very infor- the basis of scholastic merit, introduced to various leadership very meaningful.” in the top 5 percent of the nation’s mative,” said Mrs. Baxter, the community involvement, and fields of government service and Several other St. Joe’s students 2004 graduating class on the mother of a potential St. Joe’s stu- leadership experience. had an opportunity to meet impor- have attended conferences such PSAT. The Thomas V. Ryan dent. “I felt very free to ask ques- Steve attended the Global tant government agents, such as as these, including the Gover- Memorial Scholarship was award- tions and everyone was so helpful, Young Leaders Conference the head of the CIA’s counter- nor’s School, and share Steve’s ed to Thomas Bacsik, whose ded- especially the students.” The new (GYLC) in Washington, D.C. terrorism unit and embassy offi- positive sentiment about their ication and exuberance during addition to the school was the and New York over the summer. cials. He also visited a number experiences. freshman year was thought to best exemplify “Pops” Ryan’s love of scholarship and life. Mr. Fischer commented that Rotary recognizes area Seniors of the Month the event helped to “stress the By Jonathan Fromhertz sors the program. For October, seniors Brian Gartner school will receive the Senior of the importance of academics at St. Web Editor Ms. Diane Dwyer, a member and Dan Roth were selected as the Year award, a distinction exhibit- Joe’s.” Sr. Anne added that it is of the committee, commented on winners. At the end of the year, ing the utmost community service extremely important to honor The Senior of the Month pro- the Rotary Club saying, “They are all of the Senior of the Month win- and academic excellence. those who have succeeded in gram recognizes seniors who have a group of businessmen and women ners will attend a breakfast that The seniors are involved in a their studies. shown an outstanding effort in who instituted this program with includes winners from five other wealth of service around their com- In his closing comments of the community service and their oth- five schools to recognize the vari- schools, which include Edison, JP munity, such as sports, Boy Scouts, evening, Mr. Walsh complimented er activities and endeavors. The ety and amount of service that stu- Stevens, Bishop Ahr, and Ward- and other local organizations. The the students on their scholastic special award is given to two seniors dents do.” law-Hartridge high schools. At students are also committed to achievements and praised their each month on the basis of service In September, Mike Cladek and the breakfast, the students will school activities, such as Campus parents for providing them with and academics. Mike Quigley were the winners give a speech about community Ministry and the National Honor support and encouragement, which A form is sent at the beginning of the Senior of the Month award. service, then one senior from each Society. helped motivate their sons to of the school year to all seniors Ms. Dwyer remarked on the excel. Roughly one quarter of inquiring about the type of service “Looking through the candidates’ forms, I find it program by saying, “Looking the student body qualified to they have done for the communi- incredible that these guys not only find the time to through the candidates’ forms, I attend the ceremony, demon- ty. A faculty committee then find it incredible that these guys reviews their responses. The com- dedicate efforts to these organizations, but also are not only find the time to dedicate strating that St. Joe’s continues willingly enthusiastic in their endeavors.” to live up to its reputation of aca- mittee nominates two seniors each efforts to these organizations, but demic distinction. month and gives their names to Ms. Diane Dwyer, director of Campus Ministry also are willingly enthusiastic in the Edison Rotary Club, who spon- their endeavors.” ★★★ 1/2

2 THE FALCON November 2003 BR. MIKE’S MOVIE REVIEWS

By Joseph Cruz and Br. Mike art. It could honestly be one of the most no exception. It wasn’t as good as the orig- The Matrix Revolutions — Now Broth- violent movies ever made, but it’s good. inal, which I definitely prefer. The death er LOVES the Matrix movies. Even though Eyy! It’s been a long time since you’ve It lives up to the work of Quentin Tarenti- scenes are incredibly graphic and gory. Go the second one disappointed me a little bit, had the pleasure of reading Brother’s movie no. He knows Brother only expects great- watch the original, because unfortunately this one makes up for it 1000 times. Every- reviews. Now, tell me, didn’t you miss ness. The offbeat humor, the surprise Brother only gives this one ★★. thing about it is just awesome. Fighting, them? Of course you did! Everyone loves extended animation, the awesome fight Scary Movie 3 — I’ve seen guns, explosions, flying, robots. Brother’s movie reviews! scenes, and the creative edit- the past two Scary Movies and I love it! And at the same time, Are you lookin’ at Brother? ing made this a can’t-miss. I didn’t like them very much. the story is genius. It answers Good… now pay atten- I give this movie ★★★★. This one is a little better, but a lot of the questions that had tion, because Brother does- Brilliant! still not what I’d call “funny.” me throwing food at the screen n’t like idiot-boys who don’t The Texas Chainsaw The comedy reminds me of during the second movie. I’m read. Massacre — I guess film- some old Leslie Nielsen movies just kiddin’, Brother wouldn’t Kill Bill: Volume 1 — makers are getting better (he’s in this movie too). Scary do that. I won’t spoil any of the What can I say? This movie with putting more gore in Movie 3 parodies some of surprises for you, so you should is all about swords and fight- their movies, because like Brother’s favorite movies like put this paper down now and ing. Brother loves it! But don’t bring your Kill Bill, this movie is loaded with it. It’s Signs, The Others, The Ring, go watch it. Go, now! I give it little brothers or sisters to this movie, just too bad it wasn’t done as well. You and The Matrix. I had a few ★★★★★ Brother can say the because they will cry. While it looks like know Brother doesn’t get scared of things, laughs here and there, but not much more Matrix trilogy is a masterpiece that will be another attempt at a non-stop martial arts unless of course they’re three feet tall and than that, which is why Brother only gives remembered for a long, long time and if you movie, it succeeds because it is a work of run around to bite you. This movie was this movie ★★. listen to Brother, you’ll agree. New club blends service and tradition By Michael Partipilo of valuable donated items and ser- Clubs in setting up and organizing Food Drive sets Staff Writer vices are auctioned off. The event the February 7 50-50 raffle, the took place on Saturday, Novem- tickets for which were solicited The newly formed Falcon Fel- ber 22 and Sunday, November 23 in the mail. Fifty percent of the pro- lowship Club provides some of between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ceeds of the raffle goes to the goal of $15,000 the most important services to the One of the services auctioned, a school with the remainder to the school community. The Fellow- dinner cooked by the Brothers, winner. By Andrew Hunter in need,” stated Mr. Bryn- ship involves St. Joe’s students brought in a large profit. The Falcon Fellowship Club has Staff Writer er, moderator of Student who work closely with both the Along with many other activi- already conveyed a commitment Council. Fathers’ & Mothers’ Clubs. ties this year, the Fellowship will to service and looks to continue It is that time of year again. Collections, which are Created in early October under assist the Fathers’ and Mothers’ to do so in the future. In what has become a good- held Mondays, Wednesdays, the leadership of Fathers’ Club natured display of humani- and Fridays during home- President, Richard Uler, and Fel- the items. ty, the Thanksgiving Food room, continue until Novem- lowship moderator, Deacon Good samaritan Collections will be held at Drive has arrived at St. Joe’s. ber 19. Once the collection Richard, as well as Fathers’ Club the beginning of every month This year’s Food Drive has ended, the school will collections held moderator, Brother Ronald, the from September to May, except promises to be as success- purchase the supplies for the new club is an auxiliary of the for the month of April. The items ful as ever. The Student baskets. The baskets will again this year Fathers’ Club. The Fellowship to be collected this year consist Council sponsors the Food then be assembled by Stu- officials and its members work at of children’s toys, non-perish- Drive, which began on Octo- dent Council members and By Matt Minnella school-related events setting up able food, winter clothing, toi- ber 15. It involves the col- delivered to the designated Staff Writer chairs and tables, working the con- letries, eyeglasses, baby prod- lection of money and funds facilities in time for Thanks- cession stands, and organizing ucts, and items to be sent over- over the designated period, giving. In the tradition of service to various service-oriented jobs at seas. The items will be distrib- culminating in the assem- The Student Council relies the community, the Campus Min- school. uted on community, statewide, bling of food baskets to give on the generosity of the St. istry began its annual Good On October 25 and 26, Fellow- and possibly international lev- to needy families all over Joseph’s community to make Samaritan Collection program ship members volunteered to set els. central New Jersey. the Thanksgiving Food Dri- in September. Since 1997, the up and operate stands, direct traf- The program is sponsored by With a goal of feeding ve a success. With Thanks- program has succeeded in pro- fic, and sell food at the Fall Soc- Campus Ministry and is coor- five hundred families, the St. giving just around the cor- viding the less fortunate with cer Fest. Members worked both dinated by Campus Ministry Joseph Student Council has ner, students have constant essential, everyday items. Saturday and Sunday, preparing Director, Ms. Diane Dwyer, and a goal of raising about reminders of how blessed The goal of the program is for the festivities at 7:00 a.m., seniors Corey Dunbar and Dan $15,000. The baskets, which they are as a part of the St. to improve the lives of the under- working in two and three hour Roth. cost approximately $30 each, Joseph community and their privileged by collecting items shifts, and finally packing up at “The tremendous response go to organizations such as respective families. through donations by students 7:00 p.m. Similar activities are of the St. Joe’s community is the Puerto Rican Associa- One of the best ways to and their families. Benevolent planned for the next Soccer Fest simply incredible. Each month tion of Perth Amboy and the recognize the less fortunate associations such as the Edison on June 5. the office is packed with stuff Martin House in Trenton. is to share with those in need Rotary Club, Knights of Colum- The Fellowship members recent- donated by the students and fam- “This project is a good and the Thanksgiving Food bus, Ozanam shelter, and St. Vin- ly participated in the Parents’Auc- cent de Paul Society distribute ily,” said Ms. Dwyer. opportunity for the St. Joe’s Drive serves as an opportu- tion, an event in which a variety community to come togeth- nity for putting this concept er to reach out and help those into action. An enjoyable night of music By Bryan Gregus exciting and enjoyable for all that The festivities featured the Fran- Staff Writer attended. cis Varrichio Jazz Quartet, which The original purpose of the event played very upbeat and jazzy October 11th was an exciting was to “make a social event with music. Guests were also treated night for the St. Joseph’s com- a musical background,” accord- to food and beverages, which munity because of the Fathers’ ing to the events coordinator, Broth- helped to conclude the wonder- Published by the students of St. Joseph High School Club Jazz Night. er Ronald Cairns. This is the only ful night. 145 Plainfield Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840 The evening of music and fun event held for adults and parents All in all, it was a “relaxing Volume XLVI, No. 2 ¥ November 2003 was held in the school cafeteria. in the St. Joe’s community that is evening for all who attended,” Judging from the response, it was based solely around music. commented Br. Ronald. Editor-in-Chief: ...... Fofie Mgbako Managing Editor:...... Brian McNamara Associate Editors: Dan Beck, Chris Donnelly, Joe Lombardi Fall college tour a good experience Sports Editor: ...... Jason Naselli Photography Editor:...... Joe Varco By Ryan Turbert ferent colleges and universities stated. “After looking at all these in the New England states on colleges, it makes me really Web Editor...... Jonathan Fromhertz Staff Writer the three-day trip. The schools excited about moving on to a Staff Writers: ...... Tom Bacsik, Joe Cruz , Brian Green Twenty-four seniors and thir- that they visited were Fairfield new phase in my life.” ...... Bryan Gregus, Andrew Hunter, Matt Minnella teen underclassmen from Mount University, Salve Regina, Holy In addition to looking at the ...... Casey Naiduk, Michael Partipilo, Joe Runkle Saint Mary’s Academy and St. Cross, Boston College, Boston several campuses, the students ...... Jake Torrenzano, Ryan Turbert, Jude Wierzbicki Joseph’s embarked on a trip that University, and Providence Col- took a tour of The Breakers, Technology...... Mr. George Milligan could very well play an impor- lege. which is an 11-acre estate for- Faculty Adviser...... Dr. Martine Gubernat tant part in their futures. The At each college, the students mally owned by Cornelius Van- Fall College Tour took place on were able to get a feel of the derbilt, looking over the ocean The Falcon welcomes articles from students, parents and faculty members October 24. The purpose of the campus by taking a tour and in Newport, Rhode Island. for consideration for publication. All articles are subject to editing. trip was to aid seniors in their attending an information ses- The Fall College Tour has The opinions expressed in The Falcon do not necessarily represent the ongoing and stressful college sion. received nothing but positive opinions of faculty or administration. Opinions expressed in any column search. “The tours were very enlight- feedback from the students and except those of the editors are not necessarily those of the editors. Along with chaperones Mrs. ening and gave me a sense of has given them a good idea of Graphics and Printing by Media Trends, Yannaco, Sr. Gerry, and Mr. Fish- what life on the campuses would what to expect during their next Metuchen, NJ (732) 225-4555 er, the students visited six dif- be like,” senior Luke Cushing stage in education. November 2003 THE FALCON 3 Theatre company presents Mister Roberts By Brian McNamara raised Captain’s compartment, Production Associate and com- Managing Editor was constructed and arranged to pany Chaplain; and Mrs. Annette reflect the mid-ship section of the DeLuca, Costume and Prop Direc- What do a palm tree, binocu- vessel. The tech crews spent many tor. A few new faces were also lars, multiple letters, and a boat weeks planning the set and were accepted into their ranks. Mr. have to do with a Theatre Club able to construct a majority of the Tony Mangan, a new social stud- Production? The answer is, quite vessel over a three-day period in ies teacher at St. Joe’s, is now the a bit. On November 13, 14, 15, late October. An impressive Technical Coordinator, and Mr. and 16, the drama club presented amount of detail and accuracy Bobby Duncan, the man who paint- Mister Roberts, a drama set aboard were put into the set to insure that ed the Falcon in the cafeteria and a World War II cargo vessel. it reflected a real cargo vessel. the Brother Joseph Mural, is the Art Mister Roberts is the first dra- Returning Drama moderators, Director. ma the Theatre Club has done directors, and production staff The combination of strong act- since Teahouse of the August Moon include Mrs. Anne Curto, Direc- ing and an amazing set have made five years ago. The play, though tor; Mr. Craig Martin, Associate this return to a dramatic play a a drama, is not devoid of come- Director; Brother Ronald Travers, veritable success. dy and has some great comedic sequences. Starring as Mister Roberts was senior Colin Brady. Photo By Martine Gubernat Senior Phil Coco played Ensign Colin Brady (Mister Roberts), right, and Joe Zanko (Captain) in a tense Dialing for Dollar$ Pulver and Joe Zanko played the and dramatic scene. Captain. Other important cast members were senior Brian McNa- ing World War II, the play deals er both sides. raises needed funds with the toll war can take on the One important aspect of the mara, junior Matt Mancuso, and known as “Dialing for Dollar$.” sophomore Francois Suhr. There men serving aboard ships that show was the set. Since the play’s By Joseph Varco aren’t directly involved in the only locations are the ship itself Photography Editor This accounts for about 14 percent is one female character that is of the yearly goal, which is essential to the plot, played by fighting. It plays upon the inter- and various quarters, some would actions between the crew and the think a set would be simple to The Phon-A-Thon, an annual $280,000. The remainder of this Mount Saint Mary’s sophomore fundraising event for the school goal will be obtained through the Jen Mullman. officers aboard a ship, and how a build, but that was not the case. despotic Captain can bring togeth- Amultilevel set, complete with a community, took place on Octo- annual Brother Bernardine, S.C. Set in the Pacific Theater dur- ber 27-28, November 3-4, and Memorial Golf Classic, as well November 17-18 this year. Under as other donations given. Based the leadership of Mrs. Mezzo and on the amount of a particular Time for college admissions process Mrs. Amalfe, a group consisting donation, the donators will be bers. However, the most impor- sure that everything is complet- of approximately thirty parents, admitted to a certain school club By Chris Donnelly alumni, and members of the or society. Associate Editor tant step in this extensive process ed on time, and they are always is the decision about which col- ready to answer the many ques- National Honor Society met in According to Mr. Madden, this The time of the year has arrived leges the student wishes to apply. tions of seniors. the cafeteria for the affair. The is “the financial life-blood of the when seniors all over the country One difficulty is that colleges The SAT I is a very important Phon-A-Thon, which was first school.” The money raised from are applying to college. The have different part of the appli- held in the fall of 1996, has proved the Phon-A-Thon will be used to process is incredibly stressful but deadlines and cation process to be a huge success every year. sustain programs, activities, and essential for a high school student requirements for also. A senior Each helper spent nearly two equipment that are not covered to continue his education. An their applica- could have tak- and a half hours on each of these by school tuition. Among these Things enormous amount of work goes tions. Some col- en the SAT I or six nights contributing their time areas are safety upgrades for cam- to do... into the application process. This leges have a one of the SAT and effort by calling St. Joe’s pus buildings, science equipment, involves not only the student, but December 15 II subject tests alumni and parents for donations and technology. In addition, some the guidance counselors and teach- deadline for reg- this school year to the school. Each time a vol- money will fund scholarships and ers as well. ular admission, on October 11 or unteer would receive a donation, financial aid for students. The application process is a gru- while other November 1. Br. John would ring a cow bell, “It’s a fun night where people can eling one. A senior must take the schools adhere Those who still bringing the donation to atten- meet and talk with friends they SAT I or the ACT, and many to a December need to take the tion have not seen for a while,” stat- seniors have to take numerous 1 deadline. Ear- test will be Mr. John Madden, Director of ed Mr. Madden. “I feel that the examinations, such as the various ly Decision and preparing to do Development, managed the event. most exciting part of the night is SAT II subject tests, which some Early Action, so on December About $40,000 has been raised seeing Br. John ring the cow bell colleges require. A senior and his programs that appeal to students 6 or January 24. Colleges use from the Phon-A-Thon, also each time a donation is made.” family have to consider filling out who would like to receive an ear- these tests to measure the future the CSS/Financial Aid Profile and ly assessment, have deadlines that success a student may have at their the FAFSA form in order to apply vary; however, most colleges wish institutions. National Spanish Honor Society for financial aid, and they also for those applications to be com- College life is a great experi- look for many scholarships. pleted between November 1 and ence for mostly everyone, but the Seniors have to complete their November 15. same cannot be said about the application, some consisting of Guidance counselors play a major admissions process. A senior and Ceremony a great success seven or eight pages, and mail it role in the application process. his guidance counselor exert great of their Spanish classes, wrote an by the deadline. Several colleges St. Joseph’s guidance counselors energy and time in order to apply By Daniel Beck Associate Editor essay describing why they wished require the student to write an send a comprehensive student tran- to college. However, the process to join the Society, and took a essay, attend an interview, and script and write a letter pertain- is essential to show a college that Nineteen upperclassmen dressed mandatory test in order to verify request letters of recommenda- ing to the student’s abilities and a student is a worthy candidate in stylish robes were inducted into their knowledge of the language. tion from teachers or faculty mem- accomplishments. They make for that prized acceptance letter. the National Spanish Honor Soci- Finally, the Department of Foreign ety, also known as “La Sociedad Languages individually reviewed Honoria Hispanica,” on Friday, and accepted each of them. October 31. The induction cere- The purpose of National Span- SADD mony, which lasted from 7:00pm ish Honor Society, as stated in its until 9:00pm, took place in the Cor constitution, is “to recognize high Taking an active approach Jesu Conference Center directly achievement in Spanish by high below the campus chapel. school students and to promote By Joseph Lombardi program which increases aware- ing. The nineteen inductees met every continuity of interest in Hispanic Associate Editor ness of potential dangers to Aside from discussions, SADD Friday after school over a month- studies.” Created in 1957, the soci- teenagers), SADD is resolved also writes a newsletter, which long period to rehearse and to coor- ety first became an academic pro- Experts estimate that in the to take prevention a step further. is distributed throughout St. dinate the ceremony, as well as to gram on campus in 1971. past year, 40 percent of high “We go beyond simply warn- Joseph’s. It is another way the elect this year’s officers. The elec- Honor has been a very promi- school seniors have used mari- ing people. Our purpose is to club creates awareness of social tions resulted in Anthony Sforza nent theme in the Society since its juana, and nearly 10 percent of teach teenagers to say ‘No!’ But concerns, even for those who as president, Matthew Sparacio as inception. Moderator SeÑora Ana these students use it on a daily we can only do this through the are not members. The Novem- vice president, and Christopher Rocci stated, “It is very important basis. Perhaps even more star- help of other teens at St. Joe’s,” ber newsletter will focus on mar- Oyola as secretary. that the students keep a word of tling is the fact that those who commented junior member James ijuana and its harmful affects. For over a month, a number of honor amongst themselves. They use marijuana are 5 times more Capriglione. It is through edu- This club is open to all stu- selected students prepared for the must all be excellent students who likely to become pregnant or to cation and factual information dents. Interested students can ceremony by memorizing specif- wish to continue their study of this impregnate another during their that SADD will make the teenage speak to moderator, Mrs. Cun- ic works of literature in Spanish. language without a mark of cheat- teenage years. community aware of the many ningham, or president, Mike These poems and biographies were ing or lying to their name.” These are just some of the top- dangers that exist in our world. Ramirez. SADD presents an recited from memory to the par- President Anthony Sforza was ics that members of SADD wish SADD meets twice a month. opportunity to share thoughts ents and faculty member guests. very enthusiastic about the upcom- to bring to the attention of the The club does not set out to and feelings about today’s cru- Br. Michael Migacz also gave a ing year for the teenage community. SADD, implicate or chastise. Instead cial issues with peers in an open speech on the importance of lan- NSHS. He stated, “I anticipate which stands for Students Against opinions are voiced, and topics environment. “In the end, I’m guage studies. this year’s members to be very Destructive Decision-Making, are discussed. The results of a just hoping to learn a couple of The students who were induct- helpful with the tutoring of under- is a club with a purpose of exam- recent poll taken at St. Joe’s on things and to be made more ed into the National Spanish Hon- classmen in order to strengthen ining the issues that teenagers this subject will be given spe- aware of the realities,” said James or Society met several require- their skills in Spanish. Also, I hope face today. Unlike DARE (a cial notice at the upcoming meet- Capriglione. ments. They maintained an ‘A’ that we have a lasting effect on average throughout all three years society members to come.” 4 THE FALCON November 2003

SSAINTAINT JJOSEPHOSEPH H.S.H.S. Falcon SPORTS Varsity soccer wins GMC title By Casey Naiduk but the Vikings responded with play…very intense!” Staff Writer a goal of their own shortly there- Although Coach O’Boyle did after. Finally with the time run- nto designate specific team cap- “Our main goal really from ning out and the scored tied, sopho- tains, several players stepped for- the beginning of the season was more Kevin Burrell scored the ward to lead the team. Seniors and is to be competitive in the game-winning goal with 16 sec- Dan Roth, Mike Cladek and Far- county and state tournaments,” onds remaining. ris Fakhoury were able to con- said Mr. O’Boyle, varsity soccer One of the most defining aspect tribute their leadership both on head coach. of the season was the team’s play and off the field throughout the The Falcons have done more against rivals. The St. Joe’s soc- year. than compete this season. They cer team certainly has a few of The Falcons surely have finished the regular season with a those. They beat J.P. Stevens enough momentum to reach the winning record and dominated twice but came up short both times State finals, after an exhilarating the Greater Middlesex County in their games against East 1-0 defeat of the defending State (GMC) Championship game Brunswick, losing the last game champions CBA in the sectional against the South Brunswick by a score of 1-0. The momentum quarterfinals. Vikings, defeating them 3-2. shifted back with their clutch win The JV and two freshmen teams The title game was riveting. against Old Bridge, a game in have been solid as well. JV had Senior Scott Horvath responded which they dominated. a winning regular season record Photo courtesy of Yearbook staff to a South Brunswick goal in the When asked how it was to play and the freshmen team has also Scott Horvath battles a defender to maintain possession of the ball. first half to tie the score at 1-1. the school’s biggest rivals, sopho- been strong, showcasing a lot of In the beginning of the second more starter Sean Gilmartin reflect- new talent. Mr. Brian Jenkins, ing promising signs of a strong a winning tradition that has been half, junior Tiko Garzon scored ed on the games. “They were one of the freshmen coaches, said, future program.” established with the GMC Cham- a goal to put the Falcons on top, very physical and very fun to “Both freshmen and JV are show- That future may help continue pionship victory. Cross country update St. Joe’s swimmers By Tom Bacsik “I was quite pleased with our times Staff Writer at the meets,” he said. “We ran well. I hope to see the same in compete at nationals The cross-country team has been the GMCs and States.” running past the competition with Strong wins over South By Jason Naselli Metuchen-Edison YMCA team. a commanding record and high Brunswick, Woodbridge, and Pis- Sports Editor In addition, George Savulich, Nick expectations for the remainder of cataway gave the team the confi- LaCava and John Saums, mem- their schedule. dence that they needed to contin- Six swimmers from the St. Joe’s bers of the 2003 State Champi- Since September, the Falcons, ue to excel. As of their win over Photo by Mark DelMonaco swim team competed in the Nation- onship team who graduated last under the watchful eye of Coach Woodbridge, St. Joe’s had outscored X-country faces the competition. al Championship over the sum- year, were in attendance. Gary Trojanowski, have soared to their opponents 174-266, with an “I had high expectations for this mer with their YMCA teams. The Among the top performers, Eric a 5-2 record. The team has also average point difference of 29 points season,” said Coach Trojanowski. four-day tournament, held in July Swenson placed first in the 100- participated in three separate invi- per meet. “My captain and several other par- at the University of Maryland, meter breaststroke and third in the tational meets, placing third over- Runners such as captain Chris ticipants have been very success- showcased the best swimming tal- 50-meter while Bobby Savulich all in two of these meets. Coach Avalon, Jon Salamon, and Kevin ful and I look forward to a promis- ent among high school students took second in the 400-meter Trojanowski was very happy with Carpenter have stepped up to the ing post season with them leading around the country. freestyle and third in the 200-meter the results at these invitationals. challenge of leading their team. the pack.” Brian Gartner, Bill Swenson, and freestyle. Brian Gartner placed Eric Swenson attended the tour- sixth in the 50-meter butterfly. nament with the Fanwood-Scotch These impressive finishes amongst Plains YMCA, while Calvin the country’s best athletes rank St. Devries, Brian Green, and Bobby Joe’s swimmers as some of the Winter Sports Preview Savulich represented their best in the nation.

By Jason Naselli tions of juniors who are returning, including team Sports Editor captain Jonathan Salamon. After posting a win- ning record in the fall’s Cross Country season, the Swimming track team looks poised to roll through the win- Coming off the 20th State Championship in ter. St. Joe’s history last year, the team will have to Bowling live up to a lot of expectations. However, with a Following last year’s 12-6-2 record, St. Joe’s bowl- JV team that was able to overcome varsity oppo- ing will look to build on its successes and make deep nents last year and senior leaders Eric Swenson runs into the conference and state tournaments. and Brian Gartner, both of whom competed in the Led by All-Conference bowler Erick Rossado, the National Championships during the off-season, team will feature 11 returning members from last the team may have the power to follow last year’s year as well as some promising new talent. performance. Basketball Ice Hockey It’s never easy to come back after a magical The hockey team again looks forward to improv- year and to do it again, but that’s what the St. Joe’s ing on a disappointing performance the previous basketball team is looking to do this season. The year. Despite a 7-14-1 record, the team had its team has lost 5 of last year’s seniors and has an bright spots and achieved moments of true excel- 18-8 record and Red Division Championship to lence, such as the win in the Secaucus Tourna- live up to. Despite these facts, the team has retained ment. Though teams have had potential in the many of the electrifying players that made last past and come up short, this year could be the year so special, including Brian Hennessy, Joshua Photos by Joe Varco breakthrough for St. Joe’s hockey. Batts, Fofie Mgbako, Robert Pietrocola, and Jason Winter Track Dolphin. Though always solid and competitive in the Some upcoming JV players and also new tal- October winter season, the track team has an opportunity ent like Andrew Bynum and Kenny Widget make this year to excel. The team achieved a 3-2 dual for a promising squad. With a brand new gym, the meet record last year largely due to the contribu- team will be looking to make some new memories. madness Just another day at St. Joe’s... we don’t think so. Men in Black, nuns with very large hands, a guy in a The Falcon staff wishes the St. Joseph community gorilla suit. Some people will do anything to get out of uniform. a happy & healthy Thanksgiving. Well, we’re glad they did.